VANDALS have targeted Warwickshire Pride for the third year in a row, prompting a rethink by organisers.
The annual celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) life and culture, returned to the Pump Room Gardens in Leamington on Saturday (August 16). But behind the rainbow flags was a darker story after vandals yet again damaged the festival site the night before.
They tore down flags and “trashed” some of the tents – the trans tent in particular.
Security was hired for this year’s event, which did help minimise the damage.
Members of the community rallied together to clear up the mess before the start of the festival.
Pride organiser Dan Browne said in a video on social media: “We hired security this year and they were somewhat effective overnight but unfortunately a gang has attacked the festival site. Flags were torn down as per usual. They got into some of the tents. The trans tent in particular is particularly trashed.”
He continued they were going to have to rethink how to do things in future years.
Dan explained: “It is impossible to set up everything on the morning. There is just too much to do so we have to set up it the day before but obviously the site keeps getting trashed. So we are going to have to have a rethink on that.”
Last year gazebos were destroyed, glass was strewn around the site and attempts made to set fire to flags.
The festival itself was hailed a “fantastic and positive day” by organisers.
Several hundred people attended a march through the town centre with thousands visiting the festival site enjoying the atmosphere and performances.
This year’s festival theme was, fittingly, Rise with Pride reflecting rising hate towards LGBTQ+ people, and especially trans communities.
There were over 100 stalls in a rainbow marketplace, fairground rides for children and adults, food stalls, a bar serving alcohol and soft drinks, a trans tent, bi tent, youth tent, education tent, and live entertainment.
Headlining this year were 00’s chart topping acts Big Brovaz and Booty Luv. Other acts included local drag legends Sassi Afrika and Mama Tasty, local band Man Made Moon, and a performance by members of Warwickshire Pride’s LGBTQ+ youth group.
